Having covered half of the Premier League in part one, the second half of our focus on the remaining fixtures switches to those teams facing a less than favourable path to gameweek 38. Read on for team-by-team analysis of the opponents they face, the motivation left in the tank and the player prospects to consider…
Arsenal
Final three fixtures: [stk, AVL, ful]
Away trips against two of the strongest home sides in the league threaten to throw further disappointment the way of Arsene Wenger’s men. The Gunners put in a determined show against United on Sunday however, and will surely go to the Britannia going all out for three points. Defensive returns will, as always, continue to look fragile and with slight injury doubts over Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, the onus will be on Robin Van Persie, and perhaps Theo Walcott, to produce at the sharp end. Van Persie’s form continues to be outstanding with a goal or an assist in 6 of his last 7 outings. Few Fantasy Managers will be getting rid then, although new investors will likely look elsewhere given the away fixtures and the likely hit on Arsenal’s motivation once the title slips to a mathematical impossibility.
Banker: Robin Van Persie Differential: Theo Walcott
Everton
Final three fixtures: [MCY, wba, CHE]
The Toffees have come good with their regular second half of the season resurgence which has seen them shoot up to table to sit comfortably in the top half. With fixtures against them however, David Moyes’ men are going to find it hard to add points to their tally with home encounters against top of the table sides and a trip to a more resolute West Brom outfit. Leighton Baines’ raiding runs and the possibility of retaining spot-kick duties following Mikel Arteta’s miss at Wigan, keeps him afloat as an end of season prospect.
Banker: Leighton Baines Differential: Tim Cahill
Liverpool
Final three fixtures: [ful, TOT, avl]
Liverpool’s form is outstanding and their fifth place ambitions certainly remain realistic. They will go into every game expecting three points right now but with tough trips to Fulham and Villa, plus a titanic clash with Spurs at Anfield, nothing will come easy for Kenny Dalglish’s side. Dirk Kuyt and Luis Suarez will surely attract investment following their weekend points haul but those chasing points will have to consider the fact that, even in their current run of form, Liverpool have scored more than one goal only once in their last 5 away games.
Banker: Luis Suarez Differential: Dirk Kuyt
Chelsea
Final three fixtures: [mun, NEW, eve]
Chelsea’s trip to Manchester United is a season definer that will shape the title race and our end of season Fantasy plans. If Carlo Ancelotti’s side can earn a result at Old Trafford then the final two games suddenly look more appealing and potentially rewarding in Fantasy terms. Goal difference could prove vital come the final count, meaning that Chelsea will be on the attack with Fantasy returns looking assured.
Banker: Frank Lampard Differential: Fernando Torres
Birmingham
Final three fixtures: [new, FUL, tot]
Alex McLeish’s outfit are limping their way to Premier League safety but they are far from out of the woods. The fixture list offers a mixed bag with the home clash with Fulham looking easily the most vital match-up remaining. Just 2 goals in their last 3 outings, with a single clean sheet in 9 sums up the current form. Fantasy Managers are surely likely to steer clear at both ends, with Ben Foster’s Save Points and Roger Johnson’s occasional Bonus Point potential providing the only real glimmer of promise.
Banker: Ben Foster Differential: Seb Larsson
Blackburn
Final three fixtures: [whm, MUN, wlv]
Steve Kean’s side won a vital three points against Bolton and, with two away fixtures in three, it’s clear just how precious they may prove. United’s visit to Ewood could be the game that seals the title for Alex Ferguson’s men and Rovers surely cannot look to that game for points with any real confidence. Attacking returns may materialise at West Ham and Wolves should Rovers be forced to fight to preserve their status; clean sheets look unlikely, although Chris Samba’s goal threat from set-pieces may yet come into play.
Banker: Chris Samba Differential: Junior Hoilett
Blackpool
Final three fixtures: [tot, BOL, mun]
Prospects seem bleak for Ian Holloway’s side with two away trips at White Hart Lane and Old Trafford remaining. The home tie with Bolton is without doubt the Tangerines’ best hope of earning the points to save their status, unless they can muster a result to frustrate the ambitions of Harry Redknapp’s Spurs this weekend. The final day trip to United may yet provide potential, although if United are still being pushed by Chelsea at that point, it’s hard to see any joy for Holloway on the final day. Fantasy Managers may well hold Charlie Adam for the Bolton clash, although his alarming dip in form, with strong midfield prospects elsewhere, is likely to spark increased sales over the coming week.
Banker: Charlie Adam Differential: DJ Campbell
Aston Villa
Final three fixtures: [WIG, ars, LIV]
Villa’s easy passage of fixtures has almost past them by, with their final two gameweeks handing them testing match-ups with Arsenal and Liverpool. Heavy returns look unlikely in those games, but the weekend Villa Park clash with Wigan is a vital one for the visitors that could draw goals for both sides over the 90 minutes. Those holding to Darren Bent and Ashley Young may well let that fixture pass before selling on.
Banker: Darren Bent Differential: Ashley Young
Stoke
Final three fixtures: [ARS, mcy, WIG]
Stoke not only have the FA Cup Final to provide a major distraction, they also have the controversy of their gameweek 37 fixture with City, a match which Stoke could be better off losing. Motivation and Fantasy prospects are clearly questionable then, with pride and Cup final places the only reasons for Tony Pulis’ side to fight till the end. Robert Huth’s dominant presence in the opposition box at set-plays has no regard for fixtures however, and that could keep him installed in many a Fantasy squad till the final weekend.
Banker: Robert Huth Differential: Jermaine Pennant
Fulham
Final three fixtures: [LIV, bir, ARS]
Mark Hughes’ side have by far the hardest final furlong to traverse this season. Their two home games against a Liverpool side resurgent under Kenny Dalglish and an Arsenal unit surely eager to end the season with a flourish, present few home comforts. Their away day meanwhile, has them travel to Birmingham who will surely be looking for three points to save their Premier League skins. Those holding onto Bobby Zamora and Clint Dempsey following recent profits will surely be planning an exit route right now.
Banker: Bobby Zamora Differential: Gael Kakuta
